Watson actually was Plan C for the Raiders at left tackle. Jared Veldheer is on short-term injured reserve following triceps surgery in August. Former St. Louis Rams draft bust Alex Barron was brought in off the street but failed miserably before being released. That opened the door for Watson, a rookie who played right tackle exclusively at Florida State.

Barnes now gets an extended audition to hold onto the left tackle job. If he holds his own, Watson's best shot to get back in Oakland's starting lineup once he returns is a kick back to right tackle to replace Tony Pashos.